university

I dont know what career i want in the future except that i want to do something within crime e.g. detective, CSI, PI, etc. I wanted to do forensic science in university but should i if i dont know exactly what career? I was thinking a gap year in australia because thats always been a dream but my parents wont let me.

Reply 1

DipaliDavda

Hello,
I would suggest you to actual research and watch documentary in relation to what you want to become in the future. You can also do work experince and gain knowldge.

You can always apply for foresic scinece since it falls under the caregory of "detective". However, even after applying for the job and you are still not happy with it, there are many other jobs you can apply with the foresic degree.

Seek advice from your university and your personal tutor will be a big of a help.

I hope this has helped you. c:

Reply 2

MindMax2000

Universities Forum Helper

Original post by heyidontknowwhat

A good number of the jobs in law enforcement either needs A Levels or GCSEs; degrees are not necessary. Becoming a detective will require a degree in any subject (if memory serves).

The 3 major roles related to crime that would require degrees are criminologists, forensic psychologists, and forensic scientists.
If you end up doing a degree in any one of these 3 and later decide to go into other areas related to crime, you would have to go back to do specific degrees in those areas. As far as I know, to become a forensic psychologist, you need to become a psychologist (so do a BPS accredited psychology degree, then an appropriate doctorate in forensic psychology). Criminology at master's level will require a social science undergrad, and a forensic science degree at postgrad usually require an undergrad in a related subject (a science preferably, but more likely chemistry or forensic science).
There are psychology conversion courses at postgrad level in case you did an undergrad in any completely different subject, but you need to make sure the degree is accredited by the BPS. Do this before you do the doctorate (might need a master's on top, but at the very least a conversion course).

See the following in terms of requirements for becoming a forensic scientist:
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/forensic-scientist
https://www.careerpilot.org.uk/job-sectors/science/job-profile/forensic-scientist

For careers in other areas related to crime, see:
https://www.careerpilot.org.uk/job-sectors/science/job-profiles
https://www.careerpilot.org.uk/job-sectors/security/job-profiles
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-categories/science-and-research
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-categories/emergency-and-uniform-services
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-categories/government-services

If you want to do a forensic science degree, you would need to make sure it's accredited by the Charted Society of Forensic Science: https://www.csofs.org/quality-standards/accredited-course-search/
Otherwise, if you want to become a forensic scientist, you can do a degree in a science: chemistry, biological science, physics or medical sciences

A gap year is often a good way to clear your mind and figure out what you want to do. However, I wouldn't waste the year going on holidays. I would make sure you network with people who work in crime and ask questions about what they do. I would also take note of your skills, strengths, and personality as they can become factors when it comes to getting work in the sector.

(edited 11 months ago)

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